On a day marked by important decisions concerning US big tech, the European Court of Justice has confirmed the record fine of 2.4 billion euros inflicted on Google in 2017. The Californian company had been accused of abusing its dominant position for having favored its own price comparison service, Google Shopping, to the detriment of its competitors.
The case, known as “Google Shopping”was a landmark in the regulation of big tech companies. The European Commission accused Google of using its dominant position in the search engine market to unfairly promote its price comparison service, harming competition.
The decision of the European Court, which represents the final level of judgment, is final and binding. Google has no choice but to pay the fine, which is in addition to the 13 billion euro fine (plus interest) confirmed against Apple.
This ruling strengthens the role of regulators in monitoring anti-competitive practices by big tech companies. As the outgoing Vice President of the European Commission Margrethe Vestagerthe Google Shopping case marked a crucial change in the way these companies are perceived and regulated. However, we will have to wait and see whether Vestager’s successor, who will take over in the second half of September, will continue the same policy.
Before this decision, digital companies were often seen as innovators that drive positive change and growth, and enjoyed a certain freedom of action. However, the European Commission’s intervention has shown that these companies must also respect competition rules, to protect consumers and the market.
The confirmation of the fine to Google represents an important precedent that could have significant repercussions on the future of big tech. Regulators seem increasingly determined to intervene to ensure a fair and competitive market, even in the digital sector.
It remains to be seen how tech companies will adapt to this new landscape and what the next steps of regulators will be. One thing is certain: the debate on the regulation of big tech is still open and destined to continue in the coming years. What do you think? Let us know in the comments below.
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